consolation prize

American  

noun

1. a prize, usually of minor value, given to the loser or runner-up in a contest, competition, etc., or to all losers who have performed well or met certain standards.

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consolation prize British  

noun

1. a prize given to console a loser of a game

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Etymology

Origin of consolation prize

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

consolation prize

Absent that, Donnyland could be an attractive consolation prize.

From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2026

But the Lakers postseason run isn’t a bad consolation prize.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2026

The consolation prize was a larger role for Presley.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 29, 2025

If the FA Cup really is struggling to count as a consolation prize for Guardiola and City this season, you could have fooled everyone inside Vitality Stadium who watched him.

From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2025

I looked away, and she put her hand on my arm, which was the worst, because it was the consolation prize.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson